New York State Commissioner of Education will speak at the graduation ceremonies of a charter school in Syracuse affiliated with the Gulen network. King himself came out of the charter sector, so his favoritism towards charters is not surprising.
The Gulen network is the largest charter chain in the nation. It is allied with a reclusive Turkish imam who lives in the Poconos in Pennsylvania yet wields political power in Turkey.
Critics were quick to question King’s decision. Gulen charters are usually distinguished by an all-male, all-Turkish board of directors. Many of their teachers are imported from Turkey. Some Gulen charters exclude students with special needs.

I know it shouldn’t surprise me anymore, but I am always bewildered at how those who hold upper level education positions are hostile to the very things they are charged with managing (public schools, in this case).
LikeLike
The hostility continues in King’s and Tisch’s criticism of teachers and their union. Today they took ownership of steady graduation rates in NYS attributing it to their steadfast mission to reform education. They blamed educators for trying to hault their progress.
LikeLike
With everything that is known about the Gulen schools, why do parents still send their children there? Even with a hint of impropriety I would be concerned for my child.
LikeLike
Only Turks attend our local Gulen school here in rural CT.
LikeLike
Alan does this school have a dorm? And the reason people still send their kids to these schools is simple— ignorance. Majority of the “Gulen inspired” schools are in low income, high minority areas. With that said the parents are not the most sophisticated with information and many drink the kool aid ” private school with no tuition” ” award winning schools” ” teachers are European scholars” ” travel to Europe” ( turkey is not Europe). etc.
LikeLike
Total outrage!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Aim high Commissioner King!!!!!
LikeLike
Wait, so we can’t have a Christmas tree in our elementary school, but an Islamist themed school is okay?
http://gulencharterschools.weebly.com/syracuse-academy-of-science.html
LikeLike
¿Dónde está José cuando las fuerzas de las escuelas charteras lo necesitan?
LikeLike
Sign the petition for King’s ouster on change.org and call or write your NY Regent. http://WWW.regents.NYSED.gov/membersterms0412.HTML
LikeLike
Link broken. Try
http://WWW.regents.NYSED.gov/members/membersterms0412.html
LikeLike
Follow Sharon Higgins blog Charter School Scandals for more information on Gulen Charter Schools.
http://charterschoolscandals.blogspot.com/search/label/**Managed%20by%20Gulen%20movement
LikeLike
That any religious organization can now run public schools is outrageous. What are our nation’s and states’ leaders thinking?
LikeLike
Our politicians and business folks are CORRUPT! CORRUPTION is rampant in the USA and getting worse. BLAME THE. GREEDY. When $$$$$ is the prime motivator and cross pollinate that with religion this is what happens. Look at history and egads the loons out there.
So called leaders want the money and power. Then blame others when their tawdry schemes don’t work. By then, they have the $$$$$ and power. Sick.
LikeLike
More info from a former teacher at these Gulen inspired schools. http://www.charterschoolwatchdog.com. Or http://www.gulencharterschoolsusa.blogspot.com
LikeLike
King is slime.
LikeLike
Please don’t insult slime, it has its own purpose of being!
LikeLike
Duane-LOL! Yes, Mr. King, must have a purpose, I just don’t think anybody knows what it is, primarily Mr. King himself. The dude is lost.
LikeLike
Almost speechless. My stomach feels sick. I guess this is legal prostitution. “For the Love of Money” – O’Jays.
LikeLike